Local News
County Durham Grandmother Crowned Great British Grandparent 2025
Devoted grandmother Janet Dinsdale, from County Durham, has today been crowned Great British Grandparent 2025 on National Care Day, following an extensive nationwide search by Ambassador Cruise Line that attracted hundreds of nominations from family and friends putting forward someone special for th...
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County Durham’s Gary Lawson Honoured as First Gritter Driver of the Year
A council gritter driver who marked 40 years of service this year is celebrating after being named the first-ever Gritter Driver of the Year at the Grit and Glory Awards. Gary Lawson, 62, from Crook, and a member of Durham County Council’s winter maintenance team, was recognised for his dedication...
Inside a 'spectacular' County Durham detached five-bedroom home - for sale at £580,000
The self-build property, being marketed by Jill Moore Select Properties, is in an idyllic and private location in Thornley
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Dragons’ Den Success, Bake Off Champion and TV Stars Set for Bishop Auckland Food Festival
Brothers who secured investment from a Dragons’ Den judge, the latest champion of The Great British Bake Off, a familiar face from the much-loved BBC daytime series Escape To The Country and pies inspired by Bishop Auckland are all set to appear at this year’s Bishop Auckland Food Festival. The ...
COVID-19 National Day of Reflection
The Government has announced a National Covid-19 Day of Reflection on 8th March this year, backed by the Department of Digital Media, Culture and Sport, full details of which can be found here: https://dayofreflection.campaign.gov.uk/resources/ In Sunderland, local members of COVID-19 Bereaved Fami...
Chinese New Year in North East - events and timings for Newcastle, Durham and Sunderland
Full guide to Lunar New Year plans in Newcastle, Sunderland and Durham as Chinese celebrations begin
Dean Midas Brings Cinematic Chills to Manor House Hotel with Sell-Out Masquerade Ball
The stunning Manor House Hotel & Spa, West Auckland was transformed into a playground of elegant dread this past Friday the 13th, as guests gathered for a Masquerade Ball in honour of the sensationally successful horror character, Eve Valentine. The event was co-hosted by the hotel and the chara...
Tracy Beaker’s Lasting Impact as Foster Care Shortage Reaches Urgent Levels
As the UK faces an increasing shortage of foster carers, especially for children with complex physical and mental health needs, new research highlights how a much-loved fictional character shaped a generation’s perception of life in care. With the 35th anniversary of Tracy Beaker last week, new fi...
Mother banned from keeping animals neglected 43 horses and dogs on North East farm
Kerry Anne Pickersgill, 48, and her daughter Ellie Newby, 25, have been sentenced at Durham Crown Court
Seaham Care Home Resident, 93, Celebrates Family Recipe Featured in National Charity Cookbook
A Seaham care home resident is beaming with pride after one of her beloved family recipes featured in Sanctuary Care’s charity cookbook. Dorothy Dinsdale, who lives at Cedar Court Residential and Nursing Home, is one of the stars of A Lifetime of Flavours: Celebrating Food, Family and the Lives Be...
Final Consultation Opens on Durham City Heritage Management Plan
Residents, businesses and community groups across County Durham are being given a final opportunity to share their views on the Conservation Area Management Plan (CAMP) for Durham City. Durham County Council has opened an eight-week public consultation on the draft plan, inviting feedback before it ...
Durham City Set to Celebrate Year of the Horse with Colourful Lunar New Year Festivities
Durham City will burst into colour, dance and music next week as celebrations take place for Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year and Spring Festival. The city will welcome in the Year of the Horse with a vibrant programme of family-friendly activities and events, marking the official ...
Binchester Roman Fort to Transfer to The Auckland Project in New Heritage Partnership
An attraction that brings to life what it was like at one of the largest Roman military sites in Northern Britain is set to come under new management. Durham County Council will transfer custodianship of Binchester Roman Fort to The Auckland Project as part of plans to improve the visitor experience...
£26m Boost for Villa Real School as Durham Backs New State-of-the-Art SEN Facility
A school supporting pupils with severe, profound, medical and complex learning needs is set to benefit from a brand-new, purpose-built facility. Durham County Council’s Cabinet has approved proposals to allocate £26 million to Villa Real School for the redevelopment of its existing site. The scho...
Thug told terrified partner 'I'm going to bite your face off' during violent attack
Michael Burden, 47, bit his partner and pulled her hair out during a 10 month relationship
New snow warnings issued for North East as Arctic blast continues into weekend
Two new weather warnings for snow and ice have been issued for the North East as the Arctic blast continues into the weekend.
Council pledges £264m to improve County Durham services for residents
A council has pledged to deliver £264 million worth of schemes for improvements to schools, children's and adults' social care, and infrastructure.
NHS trust to install hundreds of solar panels at Durham hospital
Plans to install 905 solar panels at University Hospital of North Durham have been approved by Durham County Council.
'Dishonest' County Durham rogue trader conned string of customer to tune of £31k
A rogue trader who left a trail of angry and frustrated customers more than £31,000 out of pocket has received a 19-month prison sentence.
Shildon paedophile wanted 'slaughterhouse' in the woods to abuse children
A Shildon man who appeared to “revel in being a paedophile” said he wanted a cabin in the woods dubbed the 'slaughterhouse' to abuse children in.